Bois Bande
Also known as: Parinari campestris, Bois Bande, Bois Bandé
Overview
Bois Bande, derived from the bark of Parinari campestris, is a traditional Caribbean herbal supplement primarily used as an aphrodisiac. It has been historically used to enhance sexual vitality, increase sperm count, and treat erectile dysfunction. The bark extract is typically consumed orally, often in a hydroalcoholic extract form. However, scientific research on Bois Bande is limited, with most studies being preclinical toxicity assessments and anecdotal reports. High-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or meta-analyses specifically evaluating its efficacy are lacking. Available evidence suggests a high safety margin based on animal studies, but human safety and efficacy data are sparse. Further rigorous research is needed to validate its purported benefits and establish safe usage guidelines.
Benefits
The primary traditional claim associated with Bois Bande is the improvement of sexual function and vitality. However, there is currently no high-quality clinical evidence, such as randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or meta-analyses, to substantiate these claims. Anecdotal evidence suggests potential benefits for sexual health in Caribbean male populations, but these reports lack the rigor of controlled scientific studies. The effect sizes and clinical significance of Bois Bande remain undetermined due to the absence of robust clinical trials. Therefore, any purported benefits should be viewed with caution until further research is conducted.
How it works
The mechanism of action of Bois Bande is not well understood. It is presumed to affect sexual function, potentially through hormonal or vascular pathways, but there is no direct scientific evidence to support these assumptions. The specific biological pathways and molecular targets involved remain unidentified. Furthermore, the absorption and bioavailability of Bois Bande extracts have not been studied, making it difficult to determine how the active compounds, if any, interact with the body's systems. Further research is needed to elucidate its pharmacological mechanisms.
Side effects
Preclinical toxicity studies in rats suggest that Bois Bande has a high safety margin. No common, uncommon, or rare side effects have been reported in the available toxicity studies. However, due to the limited research, especially in humans, the full safety profile of Bois Bande is not yet established. Potential drug interactions and contraindications are currently unknown. Given the lack of comprehensive safety data, caution is advised when considering Bois Bande supplementation, particularly for individuals with pre-existing health conditions or those taking other medications. Further research is needed to fully assess its safety profile in humans.
Dosage
Due to the limited scientific research, there is no established minimum effective dose, optimal dosage range, or maximum safe dose for Bois Bande in humans. Animal studies suggest that doses up to 1000 mg/kg/day are non-toxic, but these findings cannot be directly extrapolated to humans. Timing considerations, form-specific recommendations, absorption factors, and required cofactors are also unknown. Until further research provides evidence-based guidelines, it is not possible to recommend a specific dosage for Bois Bande. Any use should be approached with caution and ideally under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
FAQs
Is Bois Bande effective for erectile dysfunction?
There is no high-quality clinical evidence supporting the efficacy of Bois Bande for erectile dysfunction. More research is needed.
Is Bois Bande safe?
Animal studies suggest it is safe at certain doses, but human safety data are lacking. Exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional.
How long does it take to work?
The time it takes for Bois Bande to have any effect is unknown due to the lack of clinical trials.
Can it be combined with other supplements?
There is no data available on the interactions between Bois Bande and other supplements. Use caution when combining supplements.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34563262/ – This study evaluated the acute and subacute toxicity of hydroalcoholic extract from Parinari campestris bark in rats. Results showed an LD50 greater than 2000 mg/kg and no toxicity at 1000 mg/kg/day, with increased body weight observed in males. The study suggests a relatively high safety margin for Bois Bande extract in animal models, but lacks human data.
- https://flore.unifi.it/retrieve/2415c137-d276-4c00-90b2-8268f4ea79e5/Barbonetti%20A%20et%20al.,%202024.pdf – This systematic review and meta-analysis examined nutraceutical interventions for erectile dysfunction, identifying effective supplements like L-Arginine, Tadalafil, and Ginseng. Bois Bande was not included in the analysis, indicating a lack of sufficient clinical evidence to warrant its evaluation in this context. The review provides a comprehensive overview of evidence-based supplements for ED but highlights the absence of data for Bois Bande.
- https://www.labophyto.com/en/content/14-the-ultimate-guide-to-bois-bande-muira-puama – This is a general guide to Bois Bande and Muira Puama, highlighting their traditional uses as aphrodisiacs. It provides information on their origins and purported benefits, but lacks scientific rigor and clinical evidence. The guide serves as an overview of traditional knowledge but should not be considered a reliable source of scientific information.
- https://sararegistry.gc.ca/virtual_sara/files/g1-15022.pdf – This document discusses the pathways to well-being, potentially related to traditional medicine and natural remedies. However, it does not specifically focus on Bois Bande or provide scientific evidence regarding its efficacy or safety. The document offers a broader perspective on well-being but lacks specific information relevant to Bois Bande.
- https://www.ccnsa-nccah.ca/docs/determinants/RPT-PathwaysWellBeing-Reading-Halseth-FR.pdf – This report explores determinants of well-being, which may include traditional health practices. However, it does not provide specific scientific evidence or clinical data related to Bois Bande. The report offers a contextual understanding of well-being but lacks direct relevance to the efficacy or safety of Bois Bande.